The Finance Ministry is opposing a bill to allow IDF soldiers free use of the money they receive upon their discharge from the army.

Under the current policy, discharged IDF soldiers receive a sum of money known as "pikadon" (deposit) which they can use for a limited number of purposes such as studies, marriage and purchasing a house. Only after five years, they can have the remainder of the money transferred to their bank account for free use.

The bill, proposed by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, would make it possible for discharged soldiers to use the money immediately and for any purpose they please.

The Finance Ministry stated in its objection letter that such a move would mean "a significant change to the state budget."